Cf Map Info Feedback Search
Login

Mt. Margaret Backcountry Permits

Wilderness Permit

Notify on Availability Reserve

Overview

Zone-based overnight permit for the Mount Margaret Backcountry in the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, Gifford Pinchot NF, Washington. Eight designated campsites scattered across high-elevation lakes and ridgelines in the blast zone northeast of the volcano: Panhandle Camp, Ridge Camp, Margaret Camp, Obscurity Camp, Snow Camp, Bear Camp, Dome Camp, and Shovel Camp. Steep, rugged trails through regenerating forest from the 1980 eruption. Max group size 4 (8 at Ridge Camp). Permits required May 1 -- November 30. Area often snow-covered and inaccessible until late June or July.

Bottom Line

This is a pure FCFS permit -- no lottery. Permits release in monthly batches on the 1st of the preceding month at 7:00 AM Pacific (e.g., May permits on April 1). Only 8 campsites exist in the entire backcountry, each holding one group per night, so supply is extremely limited. Weekend dates in peak summer will sell out fast at the monthly drop. Midweek dates and shoulder season (May, late October/November) are much more available. Cancellations return to recreation.gov immediately with no set schedule -- this is where alerts are most useful. No fires, no stock, no dogs mentioned -- this is a remote, minimalist backcountry experience. Bear canisters recommended due to lack of trees for hanging food.

Reservations

Permit season: May 1 -- November 30

  • All FCFS, released at 7:00 AM PT on the 1st of the preceding month (one-month rolling window)
  • Reservations made through recreation.gov /api/permits/ endpoint (facility ID 250003)
  • No lottery -- first come, first served only
  • Camping allowed only at the 8 designated sites (each site = one group per night)
  • Early season access typically from State Route 504 trailheads; trails may be snow-covered into July

Permit rules:

  • Permit holder must be 18+ and carry valid government-issued photo ID
  • Permit must be displayed on tent while occupying the campsite
  • Permits printable starting 14 days before entry date; once printed, no changes or cancellations allowed
  • Changes to a reservation allowed if made 7+ days before entry date
  • Date changes require cancellation and rebooking (new $6 reservation fee applies)

Fees

  • $7/person/night recreation fee
  • $6 non-refundable reservation fee per transaction
  • Changes allowed 7+ days before entry; once printed, no refund
  • Parking at Norway Pass or Coldwater Trailhead requires a valid recreation pass (Northwest Forest Pass, America the Beautiful, etc.) -- two parking passes are included with the overnight permit

Group Size and Zones

  • Max group size: 4 at all camps except Ridge Camp
  • Ridge Camp: max 8
  • 8 designated campsites: Panhandle Camp, Ridge Camp, Margaret Camp, Obscurity Camp, Snow Camp, Bear Camp, Dome Camp, Shovel Camp
  • Each site has a tent pad, grey water sump, and composting toilet
  • No fires permitted. No stock. No bicycles (except Boundary Trail #1). No drones.
  • Bear-resistant food canisters recommended (limited trees for hanging)
  • Pack out all trash -- never place garbage in composting toilets

Availability